History

The A Level course at Notre Dame is designed to build on the knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE. It offers a diverse blend of both Modern and Tudor History, whilst focusing on how governments maintain control. Throughout the course students will encounter a wide range of interesting and influential characters who have helped shape the modern world such as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Martin Luther King and Adolf Hitler.

At A Level students are taught to develop a range of skills, which will aid them in their university studies and future careers. Students are encouraged to become independent learners through preparing presentations, role plays and course notes using the wide range of books available in the school library. Debate is an integral part of the course and the students learn to present clear, concise and well supported arguments. Through the continued study of historical sources students will develop their powers of analysis and interpretation. The A Level coursework offers the opportunity for an independent research project based on a pupil’s choice of topic and question.

The department offers pupils the opportunity to attend Historical lectures every year where their knowledge and understanding are enhanced by leading historians, including Dr David Starkey. In the future the department hopes to run trips to America to further support the study of American Civil Rights.

History is a very popular choice for higher education and we support a number of ambitious university candidates every year. Former pupils have gone onto study History at Oxford, Sheffield, Bristol and Exeter.

The skills acquired on the course help prepare students for careers in the law, journalism, politics and business management.

History GCSE, Level 6 or above, is preferred, but candidates who have not studied History to this level will be eligible to join the course provided that they have a Level 7 or above in English Language at GCSE.

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